Kinetic magazine loader

Abstract

An apparatus for loading cartridges into a magazine comprises a setting mechanism including a sleeve, a body, a setting tool, and a link. The body may be slidingly disposed about the sleeve so that the body and the sleeve can slide relative to one another along a sliding axis. The body may translate between an upper position and a lower position along the sliding axis. A first end of the setting tool may be pivotally coupled to the sleeve for relative rotation between the setting tool and the sleeve about a forward axis. The setting tool rotates about the forward axis as the body translates between the upper position and the lower position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for setting a cartridge in a magazine, comprising:
 receiving a distal portion of the magazine within a magazine loader having a bottom opening; 
 urging a body of the magazine loader downward from a first position thereby providing access to a cartridge receiving opening at a top of the magazine; 
 inserting the cartridge into the opening at the top of the magazine and partially seating the cartridge at the top of the magazine; and 
 allowing the body to return to the first position whereby the magazine loader pushes the cartridge rearwardly, fully seating the cartridge at the top of the magazine. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein urging the body of the magazine loader downward from the first position comprises urging the magazine loader downwardly with respect to the magazine. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting a cartridge into the opening at the top of the magazine and partially seating the cartridge at the top of the magazine comprises seating the cartridge above an uppermost cartridge in a stack of previously loaded cartridges held by the magazine. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting a cartridge into the opening at the top of the magazine and partially seating the cartridge at the top of the magazine comprises seating the cartridge below a first lip and a second lip of the magazine. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting a cartridge into the opening at the top of the magazine and partially seating the cartridge at the top of the magazine comprises seating the cartridge between an upper lip of the magazine and an uppermost cartridge in a stack of previously loaded cartridges held by the magazine.